News

Connect Plus and CPS celebrate shortlisting at the Highways Awards

We’re proud to announce that alongside National Highways, Octavius Infrastructure and AtkinsRéalis, we have been shortlisted for the Steve Berry Highways Authority Innovation Award at the Highways Awards!

This entry recognises the M25 J3 Swanley Interchange CFRP Bridge Strengthening project in trailblazing a new innovative method of strengthening concrete structures whilst keeping traffic flowing.

The bridges which formed this project are reinforced concrete bridges crossing the A20/M20 at the M25 Junction 3 and have suffered from regular surfacing break up, requiring frequent patch repairs. Following a structural assessment, we decided to develop a long-term repair solution.

An extensive & collaborative ECI and design process was followed. Having assessed fifteen different options for repair, the team opted to use Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer Rods, embedded near the surface of the structure. This was to be a UK first for the highways sector.

This project provided an outstanding demonstration of collaborative working and resulted in the introduction of a new delivery method to the UK Highways sector,  whilst causing minimum disruption to motorists.

Good luck to all finalists, winners will be announced on 24th September!

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Notes to Editors

About Connect Plus and Connect Plus Services

  • Over 10 years ago, Highways England awarded Connect Plus the contract to operate and manage the M25 and its key arterial link roads.
  • Connect Plus is a consortium that includes Edge Orbital Holdings Ltd, Balfour Beatty and Egis Road Operation UK - a unique partnership with a collective strength in highways maintenance and management.
  • Connect Plus Services (CPS), is Connect Plus’ specialist and strategic supply chain partner responsible for operations and maintenance, bringing together the collective strength and expertise of its parent companies, Balfour Beatty, Atkins and Egis Road Operation UK.
  • With a workforce of around 600 people, based at seven locations around the network, CPS carries out routine maintenance, and whole-life management of thousands of M25 assets. CPS manages the operation of the network 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including a severe weather season maintenance programme.
  • Over the past 10 years, collectively we’ve delivered over £1.4bn worth of road improvements and junction enhancements, and we’re continually exploring new and innovative ways to deliver safer, more reliable journeys for our customers. Together, we’re passionate about delivering the long-term needs of the M25 and improving the driving experience for all our customers.
  • For further information please visit https://www.connectplusm25.co.uk/ or follow us at https://twitter.com/cpservices_m25